Reimagine River Grove

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The Village of River Grove has partnered with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to create Reimagine River Grove, its first comprehensive plan and establish a vision and land use strategy for the village. The plan will help residents and elected and appointed officials guide future actions, decisions, and development in the community. The Reimagine River Grove Comprehensive Plan will strengthen River Grove's vitality and create a more livable, walkable, and resilient community for years to come.

To ensure the wants of residents are included in this vision, community engagement will be a central part of this plan. We want to hear from you! Please use the tabs below to share your thoughts and ideas for the community.

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The Village of River Grove has partnered with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) to create Reimagine River Grove, its first comprehensive plan and establish a vision and land use strategy for the village. The plan will help residents and elected and appointed officials guide future actions, decisions, and development in the community. The Reimagine River Grove Comprehensive Plan will strengthen River Grove's vitality and create a more livable, walkable, and resilient community for years to come.

To ensure the wants of residents are included in this vision, community engagement will be a central part of this plan. We want to hear from you! Please use the tabs below to share your thoughts and ideas for the community.

Para Español, haga clic aquí.

Po ankietę po polsku kliknij tutaj.

  • CRAM Fest!

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    The project team attended Rhodes School's CRAM (community, reading, and multicultural) Fest on February 1, 2024 that drew about 400-500 people.


    We had many meaningful conversations ─ in 3 languages ─ with students and parents about the future of the community and key recommendations.
  • Join us for a public workshop on 2/13!

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    Join the Reimagine River Grove team for a public workshop on Tuesday, February 13th at River Grove Senior Community Center/Courtroom -2607 N Thatcher Ave, River Grove IL – from 6-7:30pm. The CMAP project team and village representatives want your feedback on key recommendations of the plan. There will be group discussions and a presentation by the team

    Can’t make it in person? Opportunities to participate online will be available in advance of the meeting

  • River Grove School Presentation

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    Had a great time with the middle school student council at River Grove School! The students even got into some debates over how land use choices impact others - like, how a Raising Canes located in the Forest Preserve would hurt the wildlife and the pluses/minuses of allowing backyard chickens.

    Heard many of the same things we've heard from our other engagement activities - desire for more recreational activities and programming, more biking, and safer ways to get around the community.


    Let us know what changes you want to see in River Grove by taking our survey and dropping markers on our interactive map!

  • RECAP: Steering Committee Meeting

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    Attendance

    • Members in attendance: Kris Mazza, Danielle Villalpando, Dan White, Tina Lily, Ben Ramirez, Kurt Kuras 

    • Not attending: Stefany Rosales, Brenda Peralta, Anna Muellner, Rob Boyte 

    • CMAP: Asha Barnes, Lily Brack, Dustin Calliari, Eve Means 

    We held our first steering committee on June 27th. During the meeting, CMAP presented the Existing Conditions Report and received general questions and comments. They included safety concerns at the intersections of Fullerton & First, a desire for more connectivity through the Forest Preserves between the East and West sides of River Grove, concerns about housing affordability, and a desire to make River Grove a destination rather than people zooming through.

    Lastly, the committee drafted their guidelines and shared values. Shared values are important because they guide the work and efforts of the committee and determine how members interact with each other.


  • ALERT: Introducing our Steering Committee!

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    At CMAP, we believe that transparency is essential to the planning process. Recently, we've formed the steering committee for River Grove's Comprehensive Plan and wanted to introduce them! The steering committee is made up of River Grove residents passionate about the guiding the direction of River Grove's growth and future!



    Kriss Mazza

    My name is Kris Mazza and I have lived in River Grove 35 years. I served on the Rhodes School Board as well as the River Grove Library Board (currently serving). I joined the steering committee because I think it is important both to me as a resident and library board member. I am interested in the input of residents and what things they would like addressed. There have been many changes in town over the years (so many new developments) I think it is important to have a plan.


    Danielle Villalpando

    Hello, I am Danielle Villalpando, and I am a resident of River Grove. I have lived in River Grove for the past eight years and love the Village. I was happy to join the committee to help share my thoughts and ideas on how to continue to keep River Grove a great place to live. I think it is wonderful that the thoughts and opinions of the residents is being put into consideration. I plan to live here for years to come and want nothing but the best for all residence of the community.


    Kurt Kuras

    My name is Kurt Kuras, and I have lived in River Grove since 1971. I am a former School Board member and Lion’s Club member. I joined the steering committee to be involved and hopefully help. My hope for the steering committee is that we create a safer environment, implement speedbumps and focus more on park and school safety.


    Tina Lilly

    My name is Tina Lilly, my connection to River Grove is not only am I a long-time resident of 27 years, but my husband and his family grew up in River Grove, attended Rhodes Elementary, and continued to Holy Cross and Mother Guerin High School which is also located in River Grove. My husband and my children have always supported the local events in the village, and at St. Cyprian’s Parish; which is a staple in River Grove, we’ve always volunteered our time as needed and continue to do so today.

    My husband and I have raised three children in River Grove and one of my children is now a current homeowner in River Grove too! Even my career has led me to stay in River Grove, I’ve been working in River Grove at Triton College and Guerin Prep High School for over 10 years collectively.

    Being a part of this steering committee is important to me and my family and to the young children growing up in River Grove. I grew up on the West Side of Chicago, I didn’t have the type of “neighborhood family” that River Grove has, or as the locals call it growing up in “Mayberry”. River Grove is unique, we’re five minutes from Chicago’s City limits.

    Those that grow up in River Grove either stay in River Grove and raise their family, some may have moved but made their way back to River Grove. River Grove has that effect, you may leave for some time, but it’s always good to come home.

    My family has been very blessed to have such a great friendly neighborhood to grow up in, my children have created lifelong friends and as a parent raising children in River Grove, we had a great “Parent Connection” and always helped each other out no matter what. I would like these types of traditions and experiences to carry on with the next generation coming in, new families are moving in I want them to know how special River Gove is and to keep the spirit of River Grove alive.


    Benjamin Ramirez

    My name is Benjamin E. Ramirez. I consider myself to be a nearly lifelong resident of River Grove since my family moved here 50 years ago. I attended and graduated from local elementary schools. Further education would take me to Chicago, downstate and eventually out-of-state. Though I spent time away, home was always my parent’s house in River Grove. Eventually, I would return to reside in that house in 2016 together with my wife Sandra and our two daughters, Melissa and Kassady. Both of our daughters completed elementary school at Rhodes. During this time, I served on the Rhodes School Board for 4 years total, serving on the Building Committee and as Board Secretary for one year. Last year, I had the opportunity to serve a 1 year appointment as Village Trustee. This past April, I succeeded in winning election to a 4 year term as Village Trustee. Hence, in addition to being a resident and parent, as a new trustee I wanted to be involved with formulating the CMAP Strategic Plan that will impact the future of community. I have a great deal of regard for our little hamlet on the river. I wish to see our Village remain a desirable and safe place for families, provide an environment that foster values in children such as concern for others and the environment, and cultivates a childhood filled with cherished memories and traditions.


    Jennifer Courington

    I have been a proud resident of River Grove for over 20 years, during which time I've had the privilege of witnessing our community's growth and development.

    Joining the Steering Committee is a natural extension of my commitment to River Grove's progress. I firmly believe that a community thrives when its members actively engage in shaping its future. The Steering Committee's dedication to enhancing our town's infrastructure, fostering local businesses, and preserving our natural heritage aligns perfectly with my aspirations. I have a vested interest in making RG the best it can be since I have lived here a long time and am not planning on moving for the foreseeable future. The fact that I typically leave RG to shop, go out to eat and seek entertainment isn't ideal for my lifestyle. It would be amazing to have a more vibrant town like Oak Park, La Grange or Elmhurst. In essence, my journey with the Steering Committee is driven by a deep-rooted love for River Grove and a strong desire to contribute positively to its ongoing narrative of growth. I am excited to work hand in hand with fellow committee members and our community to shape a vibrant future for River Grove.

    My hope for the Steering Committee is that it becomes a dynamic platform for meaningful collaboration. By bringing together diverse voices, ideas, and expertise, we can devise innovative solutions to our community's challenges. I envision a River Grove where thoughtful urban planning coexists harmoniously with our green spaces, creating a sustainable environment for current and future generations. Additionally, I look forward to the Steering Committee spearheading initiatives that encourage civic participation and inclusivity. As we work to improve local services, promote cultural events, and support education, I believe we will strengthen the bonds that make River Grove not just a place to live, but a true home for all of us.


    Note: This list may be updated in the near future

  • Existing Conditions Report is now available!

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    The Existing Conditions Report for Reimagine River Grove is now available! The report is a snapshot of all the elements that make a city a city - the people, businesses, transportation, parks, and more. You can access it here or in the "Documents" widget on the right-hand side of the website.

  • CMAP at River Front Fest!

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    The CMAP team was at River Front Fest on Saturday June 3, 2023. As residents and festival attendees placed dots on the map and younger community members drew pictures of what they wanted to see in River Grove, the CMAP team jammed out to the live music!


  • Community Kickoff Meeting!

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    More than 40 River Grovers joined the Reimagine River Grove project team on February 7th for the community kickoff meeting. Attendees heard a brief presentation from the project team and participated in a planning workshop, providing feedback on topics such as economic development, transportation, and parks & the natural environment.

    Missed the meeting? Watch a video of the presentation below:


Page last updated: 18 Sep 2024, 08:37 AM